Labour's Kelly holds on to seat that includes Blantyre

May 6 2011

JAMES Kelly held on to Rutherglen for Labour in Thursday’s Scottish election - but only after an almighty fright in the closest contest for decades.

Mr Kelly, who will represent parts of Blantyre, was the first MSP elected to Holyrood's 2011 intake when they result was declared about 12.45am on Friday.

Despite increasing his share of the vote, Mr Kelly's majority from the SNP was slashed by over 2600 votes.

Mr Kelly polled 12,489 compared to Bothwell councillor Jim McGuigan's 10,710.

Lib Dem candidate Lisa Strachan was beaten into third place by Tory Martyn McIntyre.

Independent and anti- knife campaigner Caroline Johnstone, a former JP, who broke her ankle on polling day during the day and spent four hours in hospital, came in fifth.

Mr Kelly thanked voters in Rutherglen, Cambuslang and Blantyre for backing the Scottish Labour Party.

His victory was small comfort for Labour who took a drubbing across the county and country.

Former Scottish Health Minister Andy Kerr lost his East Kilbride his seat to SNP’s Linda Fabiani.

An MSP for 12 years, Mr Kerr picked up 12,410 compared to Ms Fabiani’s 14,359.